Kashmiri chilies are a staple of Indian cuisine known for their vibrant red color, usually sold dried, with a mild heat and flavor.
Scoville Heat Units: 1,000-2,000 SHU
The South Asian part of the world is known for its spices. They specialize in not only producing but also expertly using a variety of spices and chilies in their flavorful cuisine. If you are a fan of curries and stews, you know their standout features are their mouth watering spice level and mesmerizing reddish color. One of the most prized chilies originating from the subcontinent is the famed Kashmiri Chili, though this particular pepper is known more for its color than for its heat.
How Hot Are Kashmiri Chilies?
When it comes to the spice level, Kashmiri Chilies are not particularly spicy. At best, these provide a mild heat level and are perfect if you require a moderate level of spiciness in your food. They are better used for their gorgeous red color and delicious, zingy aroma than intense heat and spice. They are rated at 1,000-2,000 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale.
What Do Kashmiri Peppers Look Like?
Kashmiri peppers are usually available dried as whole peppers. In this form, they appear to be wrinkled and shriveled up. But despite that, they are super bright and red in color, its vibrancy indicative of its strong taste and spice. They are relatively small and round, but retain that typical, elongated chili shape.
What Are Kashmiri Chilies Used For?
Kashmiri peppers are used heartily and frequently in Indian and Kashmiri foods, a prominent component of many curries and stews and famous dishes like Rogan Josh or Tandoori Chicken. It is used to add lots of vibrant color and a strong, punchy flavor that leaves an impression on the tongue. The peppers can be used in the powdered, ground, as well as dried form. It is also used as garnishing when cut up or eaten fresh with food. It can be added to sauces, marinades, and soups as well, especially since it imparts a rich, deep red color.
What Do Kashmiri Chilies Taste Like?
As bright and eye-catching as Kashmiri Chilies are, they are not particularly known for their unique or overpowering flavorful. Apart from providing a mild heat, they do provide a full and tangy taste, fruity in its nature.
What is a Kashmiri Chili Substitute?
The closest you can get to replicating the taste of the Kashmiri pepper is by combining either smoked or simple paprika with a little bit of cayenne. The paprika is very similar to the Kashmiri Chili in terms of taste while the cayenne pepper serves to add the spice. If you want low spiciness with a vibrant red color, you can simply use the paprika pepper alone.
Where to Buy Kashmiri Chilies From?
Kashmiri chili peppers are grown primarily in the Indian region and exported from India. If you live in India, you can obtain it easily from the open market or the grocery store. You can also order them online. They are mainly available in the powder form but can be obtained ground or as roasted powder as well.
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